Bristol, Tenn. – King University enters the 2026 women's outdoor track & field season with a determined mindset after being selected 10th in the Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll released Thursday. The Tornado, who earned 80 points in the voting, look to outperform expectations in a deep and competitive league.
Mount Olive was chosen to win its 12th straight and 14th overall conference championship, collecting 192 points and 13 first-place votes. Converse followed in second with 170 points and one first-place vote, while North Greenville (160), Belmont Abbey (152), and Lees-McRae (132) rounded out the top five. King sits just behind Barton (81) and ahead of Emmanuel (76) as the middle of the conference tightens.
The poll was voted on by the league's head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own programs.
King's Athletes to Watch
Three Tornado standouts were named to the 2026 Conference Carolinas Women's Outdoor Track & Field Athletes to Watch list, highlighting both veteran leadership and emerging talent within the program:
- Emily Ward, Senior, Distance, Jonesborough, Tennessee
- Ermay Vazquez-Adame, Junior, Mid-Distance, Commerce, Georgia
2026 Indoor 800m Conference Carolinas Runner-Up
- Savannah Darnell, Freshman, Multis, Maryville, Tennessee
2026 Third Team All-Conference Carolinas in the Pentathlon (Indoor)
Their recognition underscores the potential for King to make meaningful strides in multiple event groups this spring.
A Competitive Conference Landscape
The 2026 preseason poll reflects a conference rich with parity and rising talent. Mount Olive, Converse, and North Greenville headline the top tier, while programs such as Belmont Abbey, Lees-McRae, and UNC Pembroke form a strong middle group capable of scoring heavily at the championship meet.
King's placement at 10th provides both motivation and opportunity. With returning point-scorers, promising newcomers, and depth across distance, mid-distance, and multis, the Tornado are poised to challenge for upward movement as the season progresses.
Championships Set for Late April
The 2026 Conference Carolinas Outdoor Track & Field Championships will take place April 23–25 at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With a full slate of regular-season meets ahead, King aims to build momentum and position itself for a strong showing on the conference's biggest stage.
